Spa cover lifter

ABSTRACT

A device for removing spa covers and storing them, while the spa in use, and returning them to cover the spa after use. This invention takes a different approach to the mounting requirements for the system hardware. Most notable, the right and left flanged side plates are attached directly to the bottom of the spa frame, thus negating the necessity to drill holes for mounting screws in the side of the spa or holes for mounting screws in the concrete base. Many spa purchasers object to the drilling of these holes. This invention provides a reasonable solution to these problems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a lifting mechanism for removing andreplacing the cover of a spa. The use of spas has become widespread, andmost spas are equipped with covers which when closed prevents debris,rain and the like from contaminating the tub water. The cover furtherserves to retain heat within the tub. As a consequence, spa covers tendto be relatively heavy and difficult to remove and replace.

[0002] Lifting devices have been developed to aid in the removal andreplacement of these relatively heavy spa covers which can be operatedwith varying amounts of difficulty.

[0003] Some problems exist with past lifting mechanism designs. A unitwith one lifting arm can produce excessive wear on the edge of the spaand the bottom of the spa cover when the cover is slid and pushed to the“off” position.

[0004] With only one lifting arm rigidity suffers and the spa covertends to become angularity offset when the operator pulls or pushes onone side only.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Many spa cover lifters have been designed and patented. Some havea multiplicity of parts which would be expensive to manufacture andinstall. This invention accomplishes the lifting operation with onlyfour major parts, a right flanged side plate, a left flanged side plateand two lift bars. Thus manufacturing and installation costs should bevery economical. The installation of the flanged side plates is simpleand straightforward and can be accomplished in the dealer's shop area,thus reducing costs of mechanics labor at the customer's home.

[0006] Additional features may be used in conjunction with thisinvention. Refer to my patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,305. A springcounterbalance, illustrated and claimed, can be added to this inventionby extending the end of the center lift bar to form an attach point.Also, a method to power the cover back and forth between the “on” and“off” positions is illustrated and claimed. See claims 2 and 3.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The foregoing objects and many of the attendant advantages ofthis invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood by reference to the following detailed descriptionwhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0008] FIG. (1) is a right side view of a spa with the cover shown inthe “folded on” position. The right side plate is shown attached bythree screws. The near lift bar is shown attached to the spa cover withstraps. The end of the bar is pivotally attached to the flanged sideplate. The center lift bar is shown between the cover halves andpivotally attached to the flanged side plate.

[0009] FIG. (2) is a right side view of a spa with the cover shown inthe “off” position.

[0010] FIG. (3) is an end view of a spa with the cover in the “foldedon” position. The near lift bar is attached to the cover with straps,and pivotally attached to the right and left flanged side plates. Theflanged side plates are shown attached to the bottom of the spa withscrews.

[0011] FIG. (4) is a plan view of the flanged side plates, showing aside view, a top view, and an end view.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] FIG. (1) shows a spa (21) with spa cover (22) in the “folded on”position on the spa. Center lift bar (44) lays in position between thehalves of spa cover (22). Near lift bar (45) is attached to the spacover with straps (41). Each end of the lift bars (44) and (45) isattached to its respective pivot on its respective flanged side plate.Many new spa designs have rounded corners, shown as (23).

[0013] FIG. (2) shows the position of the spa cover (22) and lift bars(44) and (45) when the cover is in the “folded off” position.

[0014] FIG. (3) shows the spa (21) with cover (22) in the “folded on”position. The flanged side plates (24) and (25) are shown attached tothe bottom of the spa frame by screws (26). Each end of the lift bar(45) is shown attached to the respective pivots (42) and (43) on theflanged side plates (24) and (25).

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for lifting a folding spa cover,having folding sections from a covering position over a spa to anuncovering position beside the spa comprising: a U-shaped center liftbar adapted to be pivotally attached to one of the folding sections ofthe cover; a U-shaped near lift bar adapted to be pivotally attached toone of the folding sections of the cover; one flanged mounting plate oneach side of the spa adapted for attachment to the bottom of said spaframe; opposing legs of each lift bar being pivotally attached to therespective left and right flanged side plates.